Niederösterreich Wine Region Guide

Niederosterreich, usually known as Lower Austria, is one of Austria's four major wine regions. The region is Austria's largest wine-growing area, separated into eight sub-regions that account for 50% of Austria's wine production. Kamptal, Kremstal, and Wachau are among the most well-known sub-regions of the Neiderosterreich wine region. The region is also home to the country's capital, Vienna. Niederosterreich is a vibrant region with varied terrain and a fairly stable climate that enables grapes to develop flavor. The region's grape types include Gruner Veltliner and Riesling, which dominate the region.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Niederosterreich!

Where is the Niederosterreich wine region?

The Niederösterreich wine region is located in northeastern Austria, bordering Czechia to the north and Slovakia to the east. The region is limited on the southeast by Neusiedlersee DAC and Leithaberg DAC, on the south by Oberosterreich, and on the west by Osterreich and Steiermark. This huge wine area is separated into eight subregions: Wachau, Kremstal, Kamptal, Traisental, Wagram, Weinviertel, Carnuntum, and Thermenregion. 

Wachau, Kremstal, Kamptal, Traisental, and Wagram are to the west of Vienna; Carnuntum and Thermenregion are to the south and east of Vienna, and the huge Weinviertel reaches north and east of Vienna toward the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

History of the Niederosterreich wine region

The Niederosterreichers have been involved in winemaking since the Bronze Age, resulting in a rich and 4000-year-long wine heritage. Archeological discoveries show that the Romans were involved in extensive winemaking and viticulture. The region's winemaking was elevated in the Middle Ages by monks who began planting vines on the terraced vineyard on the steep slope of Wachau. The city of Wagram is now home to a significant wine research center as well as Stift Klosterneuburg, the country's oldest wine producer. The wine culture in the Niederosterreich region is unmatched elsewhere in the world. Every vineyard, wine route, wine village, and excellent wine has its own unique story to tell.

The terroir and geography of the Niederosterreich wine region

The wine area of Niederosterreich is Austria's largest and most productive wine region. The 28000 hectares of vineyards are divided into eight subregions, each with its own climate. The chilly and dry climate of the Weinviertel region helps wines keep acidity and freshness. The climate is mild along the Danube's banks, including Wachau, Kamptal, and Kremstal. The warmer environment in the southeastern part of the Niederosterreich region is suited for red varietals. During the day, the Pannonian plain influences the entire region, while at night, a cooler wind from the Waldviertal in the northwest flows across the region, making the nights colder.

Popular grape varieties from the Niederosterreich wine region

The most common grape varieties that thrive in the Niederosterreich wine region are Gruner Veltliner and Riesling. There are several grapes that are grown in the region including Chardonnay, Neuburger, Gelber Muskateller, Pinot blanc, Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, Saint-Laurent, Traminer, and Sauvignon blanc. With 8 wine regions out of 16 in Austria, the Niederosterreich is exceptional with a wide range of wine styles and wines. Pinot Noir and Sankt-Laurent are also planted in the region. 

Food to pair with Niederosterreich wine 

Frittata di cipolle

Frittata di cipolle is a typical Italian egg-based dish that is simple and savory. Frittata is an Italian word that means "fried." The egg is fried in a hot skillet with olive oil, onions, salt, and pepper. The egg is fried until it turns golden brown on both sides. The dish is usually served as snacks or appetizers. This amazing and simple dish goes well with Niederosterreich wines. 

Tempura

Tempura originated from Japan which uses a fritter cooking technique. One can choose the main ingredients including seafood, meat, and vegetables that are battered and deep fried. The batter consists of iced water, eggs, soft wheat flour, and baking soda. Traditionally, the batter is mixed in small batches with the help of chopsticks. The dish is light, crunchy, and fluffy.  

Sashimi

Sashimi is a traditional Japanese appetizer that consists of thinly sliced raw fish (Tuna, squid, scallop, whale, and octopus), shellfish, or pork. The dish is usually served with soy sauce, wasabi, and additional ingredients. There is a lot of variation of the dish that mostly depends on the chef and occasion. The slices are cut in a variety of ways ranging from incredibly thin to thick slices. The Sashimi is often served along with shiso leaves, seaweed, and salads. Traditionally, the Japanese offer an odd number of sashimi slices on the plate as even numbers are taken as unlucky. The dish complements both red and white wines from the Niederosterreich wine appellation. 

Places to visit in the Niederosterreich wine region

Melk Abbey

Melk Abbey is a magnificent Benedictine monastery in the town of Melk, Austria. The abbey sits atop a rocky cliff above the Danube river overlooking the Wachau valley. The monastery was founded in 1089 by Benedictine monks from Lambach abbey. The Abbey today was shaped during the first half of the 18th century and designed by Jakob Prandtauer, a famous Austrian Baroque Architect. The centerpiece of this abbey is its library with more than 16000 volumes with amazing frescoes along the whole interior. This beautiful place is visited by more than 550,000 people from all around the world. The Melk Abbey is an emblematic symbol of the Wachau district. 

Schallaburg Castle

On the hills overlooking the Danube, near the Melk abbey, rises the ancient castle of Schallaburg. The castle's towering structure portions were erected in Romanesque style in the 11th and 12th centuries. During the 11th century, Sieghard X, the count of Schala, lived in the castle. Hans Wilhelm von Losenstein restored the castle in the 16th century in the Italian Renaissance style. The castle is beautifully adorned and has an elegant look. The Schallaburg Castle is one of Austria's most well-known Renaissance-style castles. The castle now serves as a museum.

Frequently asked questions about Niederosterreich